How to add Website Search to a Netlify CMS website

Embed Website Search on Netlify CMS

01

Create a Website Search plugin for Netlify CMS on Common Ninja

First, create a Netlify CMS Website Search plugin on Common Ninja. On the plugins catalog, find the Website Search and enter the Editor.

02

Save the Website Search plugin

When you're done creating the Website Search plugin, click on the Save Changes button at the right top corner of the editor. If you don't have an account on Common Ninja, you'll have to register first.

03

Copy the Website Search Embed Code

When you're ready to add the Website Search plugin to your Netlify CMS website, click the Add To Website button at the top bar of the Editor. On the window that opens, click the Copy Icon to copy the plugin embed code. In the next steps, you will paste this code into your Netlify CMS website.

04

Paste the code to your Netlify CMS website’s HTML field.

Next, go to your Netlify CMS website editor and find the HTML field. It is most likely in the form of an HTML/Code widget or module which you can find on the Netlify CMS’s editor. Add it to your page, and paste the Website Search Embed Code you’ve copied before to the HTML field. Save and update, and that’s it, you should have Common Ninja’s Website Search plugin on your Netlify CMS website.

05

Alternative Method 1: Through the HTML option in the text’s editing area.

If you can't find the HTML/Code widget or module, there's another way to put Common Ninja’s Website Search plugin on your Netlify CMS plugin. You can just add the code to a special HTML section in the text editor.

06

Alternative Method 2: Add it directly to your Netlify CMS website’s HTML code.

If you're having trouble finding a widget or a special part in your text editor where you can add the Embed Code, you can try a different way to add the Website Search plugin to your Netlify CMS website. You can do this by putting it straight into your Netlify CMS website's HTML code.

Why Use This Widget

Use the Website Search widget when your site has enough content that visitors need a fast way to find what they want. A Google powered search bar delivers familiar, accurate results and removes frustration from browsing menus or scrolling. This is essential for content heavy sites, documentation, ecommerce catalogs, and platforms with many pages. Visitors can type a few words and jump directly to relevant sections, which improves experience and reduces bounce. Better search also increases discovery of deeper pages that might otherwise stay hidden, supporting more time on site and higher conversions. When users trust they can find answers quickly, they explore more confidently and are more likely to complete actions like signup, purchase, or contact.

This tutorial was written by the Common Ninja product team, creators of interactive, no-code widgets for Netlify CMS website. Common Ninja helps over 500,000 users build engaging online experiences without coding.